In an exhilarating match at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma emerged victorious over their city rivals Lazio with a decisive 2-0 win. The goals came from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Alexis Saelemaekers within the first half, marking a significant milestone for Claudio Ranieri since his return to the helm of Roma. This victory not only lifted the spirits of the team but also provided a much-needed boost in the league standings, placing Roma in a safer position away from relegation concerns.

Revitalizing the Squad Under New Leadership

Ranieri's tactical adjustments have begun to pay off as Roma showed signs of improvement under his guidance. The team has climbed to tenth place with 23 points, creating some distance from the relegation zone. Despite facing challenges, including moments when they were under pressure from Lazio, the squad demonstrated resilience and determination. The match was intense, especially after halftime, with Lazio mounting a strong comeback attempt. However, Roma managed to hold their ground, securing the win.

The journey back to form for Roma has been gradual yet promising. When Ranieri took over in November, the team was in disarray, and the prospect of relegation loomed large. Since then, there have been encouraging performances, such as the draw against AC Milan. Sunday’s match was another positive indicator that the talented squad is finding its rhythm. Pellegrini's performance was particularly noteworthy; he scored his first league goal this season, signaling a potential turning point for both him and the team. His emotional celebration, kissing the club badge, highlighted the depth of his connection to Roma and his desire to regain the fans' trust.

A Hard-Fought Win Amidst Turbulent Moments

The match was far from one-sided, with Lazio putting up a formidable challenge in the second half. Despite being two goals down, Lazio pushed hard to reduce the deficit. Players like Valentin Castellanos and Nuno Tavares had close opportunities, while Loum Tchaouna's near miss almost brought Lazio back into contention. The intensity of the game culminated in a heated pitchside scuffle as Castellanos received a red card during stoppage time, adding drama to an already charged atmosphere.

Pellegrini's goal came early in the match, surprising many given his recent struggles and the fan backlash he faced. Accused by supporters of playing a role in the departure of former coach Daniele De Rossi, Pellegrini had lost favor with the crowd. However, his brilliant strike following a swift counterattack changed the narrative. Eight minutes later, Saelemaekers capitalized on a rebound to double Roma's lead, solidifying their advantage. The standing ovation Pellegrini received upon being substituted was a clear sign that he had won back the hearts of the fans, symbolizing a return to stability for Roma after a tumultuous start to the season.